Friday Quonset fire at Mattox's

February 22, 2013

Fast action by Dave Mattox probably saved the building, but not before serious damage impacted the contents at a fire Friday morning, just off Weissert Road at Max Mattox's.

"Dave was there when it broke out and tried to knock it down," said Broken Bow Fire Chief Kem Oatman, "He was on the scene so he reported it quickly and that really helped."

According to preliminary reports, the fire started around a tractor located in a Quonset. Thick, black smoke impeded Dave's initial attempt to knock out the fire, and continued to serve as a roadblock with the firemen when they arrived. The call came in shortly after 8 a.m. The county sent out a maintainer to help clear the road, and Claris Connely brought his tractor with a blade to help the trucks maneuver the driveway into the farmstead.

Additional water was requested through mutual aid, but ended up not being needed said Oatman. Ansley was asked to continue on in.

"We wanted to make sure we had plenty of water," Oatman said The response was excellent and for that he said he was thankful. The snow did slow the travel time.

"A combine and a couple of tractors were destroyed so there was some pretty heavy damage," added Oatman. "Even with insurance, it never totally covers your loss."